How arch-rivals India found a way to sabotage Australia's bid for back-to-back World Test Championship titles - despite bombing out of the final at Lords
India may not be playing in the World Test Championship final this week, but their presence is still being felt - and not in a way Australia appreciates.
In a bizarre twist just days out from Wednesday's final, Australia were booted from their planned training session at Lord's, only to discover India had been granted access to the hallowed ground instead.
Despite being eliminated from the WTC race back in January, India managed to muscle their way into the iconic venue on Saturday, leaving Australian players scrambling for alternative facilities.
Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green were forced into a three-hour round trip to Beckenham in South London to train, believing Lord's was unavailable.
But when the Australian squad arrived at Lord's on Sunday, they learned that India had trained there the day before.
The move stunned many in the cricket world and raised fresh questions about the influence India wields over the global game.
India's Test team won't play at Lord's until July 10, yet they were allowed a full session at the venue while Australia – the defending WTC champions – were locked out.
It's a fresh layer of drama in a storied rivalry that has produced iconic moments, unforgettable series, and plenty of controversy.
From Steve Waugh's 'final frontier' tour in 2001 to the Monkeygate scandal of 2008, India vs Australia has never been short on tension.
The rivalry reached new heights during India's heroic 2–1 comeback in Australia in 2020-21, capped by a stunning win at the Gabba.
But this week, the drama has spilled off the pitch and into the politics of cricket itself.
As Australia quietly went about preparations in Beckenham, the optics at Lord's spoke volumes.
Inside the ground, cricket's top officials gathered for a major summit to discuss the game's direction.
Outside the window, India were in full training – despite not even being part of the WTC decider. The message was clear: India runs the show.
Australian all-rounder Beau Webster, experiencing Lord's for the first time, said just being at the ground was special.
'I've been here to watch games before,' Webster said. 'But to be out in the middle? It's extra special.'
Webster is hoping for a debut in the WTC final and believes he can contribute as a fifth bowling option.
'If they go that way, I'll give it my best,' he said.
Hazlewood, meanwhile, sent a strong message to selectors with a 12-over effort followed by another five later in the session.
The selectors are yet to confirm the final XI, but Hazlewood is expected to edge out Scott Boland for the final bowling spot.
Marnus Labuschagne is also tipped to retain his place ahead of young Sam Konstas.
Pat Cummins enters the final feeling fresh and ready after fixing an ankle issue and enjoying paternity leave earlier this year.
'Physically I feel as good as I have in years,' Cummins said.
The Aussie skipper led his side to WTC glory in 2023 against India at The Oval and is now gunning for back-to-back titles.
He's also defending the relevance of the WTC, calling it 'awesome' and a rare opportunity to win tangible silverware for sustained excellence.
'It gives relevance to some two-match series that otherwise get lost in the calendar,' he said.
The Lord's final will be the third straight WTC decider held in England – but the first at the home of cricket.
Cummins floated the idea of the previous winner hosting the next final, though he admits Lord's 'is a pretty good place.'
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